List of Mughal Emperors

Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire. Born on February 14, 1483, in present-day Uzbekistan, Babur was the descendant of both Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, giving him a powerful and diverse heritage. He was a skilled military strategist, a talented poet, and a charismatic ruler who left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. Babur's early life was marked by a series of struggles and conquests. He became the ruler of Fergana in Central Asia at the tender age of 12 but faced constant challenges to retain his kingdom. His quest for a stable empire led him to conquer Samarkand at the age of 21, a city that had once been the capital of Timur's empire. However, he couldn't hold it for long and was forced to seek new territories.

In 1526, Babur led his army into India, culminating in the First Battle of Panipat. There, he faced and defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodhi. This victory marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India, and Babur established himself as its first emperor. He continued to consolidate his rule by expanding his territories, most notably through the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. Despite his military successes, Babur's reign in India was relatively short, lasting only a few years. He passed away on December 26, 1530, in Agra. His son Humayun succeeded him as emperor.

Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal Empire in India and the eldest son of its founder, Babur. His life was marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Born on March 6, 1508, Humayun ascended to the throne in 1530 after the death of his father, Babur. His early reign was characterized by conflicts and challenges, including internal dissent and external threats. He faced opposition from his younger brothers, Kamran, Hindal, and Askari, who sought to claim their share of the Mughal inheritance. These family disputes weakened his authority and stability. One of the most significant challenges Humayun faced was from Sher Shah Suri, a brilliant Afghan military leader who seized control of Delhi and Agra in 1540. Humayun's defeat in the Battle of Kannauj in 1540 led to his exile from India and marked a low point in his rule. He spent several years wandering in Persia, seeking support and assistance from various rulers, including the Safavids.

In 1555, Humayun, with the aid of Persian forces under the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp. His return marked a period of stability and consolidation in the Mughal Empire. During this time, Humayun promoted Persian culture, art, and administration in his court, contributing to the rich Mughal cultural legacy. Tragically, Humayun's life was cut short when he died in an accident in 1556 by falling from the stairs of his library in Delhi. His death paved the way for his son, Akbar, to become one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. Humayun's reign, though marked by adversity and instability, laid the foundation for the more prosperous and expansive Mughal Empire that would follow under his son, Akbar the Great. His commitment to Persian culture and administration, along with his resilience in the face of adversity, contributed significantly to the Mughal Empire's early development and its eventual ascent to greatness in India.

Akbar was the third ruler of the Mughal Empire in India and one of the most illustrious emperors in world history. His reign, which lasted from 1556 to 1605, marked a period of remarkable political, cultural, and administrative innovation, making him an iconic figure in Indian history.

One of Akbar's most significant contributions was his policy of religious tolerance. He sought to foster harmony among the diverse religious communities in his empire, which included Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and others. He abolished the jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and encouraged interfaith dialogue and understanding. Akbar implemented a system of efficient governance known as the "mansabdari" system. This system organized government officials into a hierarchical structure based on military ranks and was instrumental in improving administration and revenue collection. He also introduced land revenue reforms that aimed to ensure fairness and productivity in agricultural taxation.

Akbar was a great patron of the arts and culture. His court was adorned with poets, artists, musicians, and scholars from various backgrounds. He encouraged the development of Persian and Indian literature and commissioned the translation of Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana into Persian. Akbar's reign witnessed the construction of magnificent monuments, including the famous Fatehpur Sikri, a city that served as his capital for a short period. His court produced exquisite Mughal miniature paintings and illustrated manuscripts that remain celebrated to this day.

Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire through a series of military conquests. His successful campaigns extended Mughal rule over large parts of the Indian subcontinent, including Gujarat, Bengal, and parts of the Deccan. However, he also adopted a policy of conciliation and diplomacy, winning over local rulers and chieftains. Akbar promoted a syncretic form of religion known as "Din-i Ilahi" or "The Religion of God," which aimed to blend elements of various faiths. While this religion did not gain widespread acceptance, it reflected Akbar's commitment to religious pluralism and dialogue.

Jahangir was the fourth ruler of the Mughal Empire in India. His reign, which lasted from 1605 to 1627, is notable for its blend of artistic patronage, administrative achievements, and personal struggles, making him a significant figure in Indian history.

Jahangir was a passionate patron of the arts. He supported and nurtured the Mughal school of painting, which produced exquisite miniature paintings characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details. His reign marked the zenith of Mughal art, with notable artists like Mansur and Bishandas achieving prominence during his rule. Jahangir's reign saw the arrival of the British East India Company in India. He granted the company the right to establish a factory and engage in trade in return for valuable goods, such as English textiles and firearms. This marked the beginning of the British presence in India, laying the foundation for future colonialism.

Jahangir continued the administrative reforms initiated by his father, Akbar. He upheld the Mansabdari system and focused on revenue collection and land administration. Despite his own weaknesses, he had capable ministers, including his son Khurram (Shah Jahan), who helped maintain the empire's stability.

Jahangir faced challenges from various quarters, including the Sikhs, who had begun to organize under Guru Arjan Dev. In 1606, Guru Arjan Dev was executed on Jahangir's orders, leading to strained relations between the Sikhs and the Mughal Empire. Jahangir's reign was marked by personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. He had a weakness for alcohol and opium, which affected his health and decision-making at times. Despite his personal flaws, his consort, Nur Jahan, wielded considerable influence and is often credited with governing effectively during his periods of weakness.

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor of India, was known for his profound influence on Indian art, culture, and architecture. His reign, which lasted from 1628 to 1658, is often regarded as a high point of Mughal power and opulence. Shah Jahan is most famous for commissioning the construction of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic and revered monuments in the world. This white marble mausoleum in Agra was built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631. The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Beyond the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan was a prolific builder and patron of architecture. He constructed several other notable structures, including the Red Fort in Delhi and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. His architectural legacy is characterized by its grandeur, intricate designs, and use of white marble and precious gemstones.

His reign was marked by political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. The Mughal court was a hub of art, poetry, and scholarship, with notable figures like the poet Ghalib and musician Tansen finding patronage during this period. Shah Jahan continued the administrative policies of his predecessors, focusing on efficient governance and revenue collection. The empire's vast territory was divided into provinces, each ruled by a governor. The Mansabdari system, a military and administrative hierarchy, was further refined during his rule.

Shah Jahan's rule took a tragic turn in his later years. His eldest son, Aurangzeb, rebelled against him, leading to a power struggle. Shah Jahan was eventually captured and imprisoned in the Agra Fort by Aurangzeb. He spent the last years of his life in captivity, gazing at the Taj Mahal from his cell, unable to visit his beloved wife's final resting place.

Aurangzeb (1658-1707) was the sixth Mughal emperor of India. He was the third son of Emperor Shah Jahan and was the last of the great Mughal emperors. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler who ruled over a vast empire stretching from Afghanistan to the Deccan plateau. Aurangzeb was an orthodox Sunni Muslim who believed in the literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. He sought to bring religious as well as political unity to his realm. He reimposed the jizya (poll-tax) on non-Muslims and imposed Islamic laws on all of his subjects. His religious policies caused him to be disliked by many non-Muslims, particularly the Hindus, who saw him as oppressive.

He was also hostile to the Sikhs, accusing them of heresy. Aurangzeb was a skilled military commander. His long reign was marked by a series of costly wars and rebellions. He was also known for his oppressive taxation and was widely seen as a hard-hearted ruler. His policies of religious intolerance and heavy taxation weakened the Mughal Empire and led to its decline. Aurangzeb died in 1707. He was succeeded by his son, Bahadur Shah I, who was unable to halt the decline of the Mughal Empire. 

Bahadur Shah I was the seventh Mughal emperor of India, and he ruled from 1707 to 1712. His reign marked a transitional period in Mughal history, characterized by both cultural revival and political challenges. Bahadur Shah I ascended to the Mughal throne following the death of his father, Aurangzeb, who had ruled the empire for nearly half a century. Bahadur Shah I's rule came at a time when the Mughal Empire was facing internal strife and external threats.

Bahadur Shah I was known for his patronage of arts and culture. He sought to revive the cultural and artistic traditions that had thrived during the earlier Mughal periods. His court became a hub for poets, scholars, and artists, and he supported the development of Persian and Urdu literature. In contrast to his father, Aurangzeb, who had pursued a more orthodox and repressive policy, Bahadur Shah I adopted a more inclusive and tolerant approach to religion. He repealed some of the oppressive religious measures enacted by his father, which helped ease tensions with the Hindu and Sikh communities.

Bahadur Shah I's reign was marked by political instability and conflicts with various regional powers. He faced challenges from the Marathas in the Deccan and the Sikhs in the Punjab region. The Mughal Empire was gradually losing control over its vast territories. The issue of succession and the competition among his sons for the throne created further instability during Bahadur Shah I's rule. Bahadur Shah I's reign was relatively short, and he died in 1712.

Jahandar Shah was the eighth Mughal emperor of India, and his reign from 1712 to 1713 was characterized by political instability and weakness. Jahandar Shah ascended to the Mughal throne following the death of his father, Bahadur Shah I, in 1712. His accession marked a period of uncertainty and turmoil within the Mughal court. Jahandar Shah's reign was heavily influenced by the Sayyid Brothers, Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan. These powerful nobles effectively controlled the government, with Jahandar Shah serving as a figurehead. This period is often referred to as the "Sayyid Brothers' Regency."

Jahandar Shah was known for his extravagant and hedonistic lifestyle. He spent lavishly on entertainment, courtly pleasures, and personal indulgences, depleting the imperial treasury. This profligacy further weakened the empire's finances. During Jahandar Shah's rule, the Marathas, under the leadership of Shivaji's grandson Shahu, rose in rebellion against Mughal authority in the Deccan. This conflict strained the Mughal Empire's resources and further eroded its control over the region.

Jahandar Shah faced internal challenges to his rule, particularly from his nephew, Farrukhsiyar, who aspired to the throne. Farrukhsiyar formed alliances with other nobles and regional powers, setting the stage for a power struggle. Jahandar Shah's reign came to an end in early 1713 when he was defeated by forces loyal to Farrukhsiyar. After his defeat, Jahandar Shah was captured and executed.

Farrukhsiyar, whose full name was Farrukhsiyar Alamgir I, was the ninth Mughal emperor of India, and his brief and tumultuous reign from 1713 to 1719 was marked by political intrigue, power struggles, and the further erosion of Mughal authority. Farrukhsiyar ascended to the Mughal throne after his victory over his predecessor, Jahandar Shah. 

Farrukhsiyar faced a significant Sikh uprising under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur. The Sikhs captured several Mughal strongholds in the Punjab region. Farrukhsiyar's response was brutal, leading to the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur and the suppression of the Sikh rebellion.

Farrukhsiyar's rule was heavily influenced by the Sayyid Brothers, Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan, who played key roles in his ascension to the throne. However, their relationship deteriorated, leading to a power struggle. With the help of Ajit Singh, the ruler of Marwar, and Marathas, Farrukhsiyar was blinded, imprisoned and then executed by the Sayyid Brothers in 1719.

Rafi Ul-Darjat, whose full name was Rafi Ul-Darjat Shihab-ud-din Muhammad Rafi Ul-Din, was the tenth Mughal emperor of India, and his reign in 1719 was one of the shortest and least significant in Mughal history. His brief rule was marked by political instability and court intrigue. Rafi Ul-Darjat ascended to the Mughal throne following the deposition of his predecessor, Farrukhsiyar, in 1719. His accession was orchestrated by the influential Sayyid Brothers, who aimed to manipulate the Mughal throne for their own interests.

Just as with Farrukhsiyar's reign, the Sayyid Brothers, Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan, continued to exert significant control over the Mughal court during Rafi Ul-Darjat's rule. Their influence and manipulation of the emperor continued to be a defining feature of Mughal politics at this time. Rafi Ul-Darjat's reign was extremely short-lived. He ruled for just three months and died either of tuberculosis or was murderered. 

Shah Jahan II was a Mughal emperor who had a brief and rather obscure reign in 1719. He reign lasted barely three month. Shah Jahan II's accession to the Mughal throne occurred in 1719. He was installed as emperor following the deposition of Rafi Ul-Darjat, his predecessor and his younger brother. His brief rule was facilitated by the Sayyid Brothers, who continued to exert influence over the Mughal court during this period. Shah Jahan II suffered from tuberculosis and was physically and mentally unfit to perform the duties of a ruler. He died of tuberculosis on 17 September 1919.

Muhammad Ibrahim was a titular Mughal emperor whose reign lasted from 15 October 1720 to 13 November 1720. He was the brother of Emperors Rafi ud Darajat  and Shah Jahan II. He was designated a successor to Shah Jahan II. However, fearing his viloent temper, Sayyid Khan Jahan, the governor of Delhi, installed his cousin Muhammad Shah as the Mughal emperor. In the battle for the throne Muhammad Ibrahim was defeated in the battle of Hasanpur on 13 November 1720 and was imprisoned.

Muhammad Shah, also known as Roshan Akhtar Muhammad Shah, was the Mughal emperor of India who reigned from 1719 to 1748. His rule marked a period of political instability, declining Mughal authority, and the emergence of regional powers, particularly the Marathas. Muhammad Shah ascended to the Mughal throne after the deposition of his predecessor, Shah Jahan II, in 1719. His accession was facilitated by the Sayyid Brothers, Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan, who continued to exert significant influence over the Mughal court.

During Muhammad Shah's reign, the Marathas, under the leadership of the Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and his successors, gained substantial influence and territorial control in the Deccan. The Mughal emperor acknowledged Maratha authority and paid them tribute, further highlighting the decline of Mughal power. One of the most significant events during Muhammad Shah's reign was the invasion of India by Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, in 1739. Nadir Shah's forces sacked Delhi, leading to the infamous plunder of the city, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne. This invasion marked a low point in Mughal history.

Muhammad Shah's reign saw ongoing administrative challenges, including corruption and inefficiency within the Mughal bureaucracy. The empire's revenue collection system was in disarray, further weakening the central authority. Muhammad Shah faced rebellions from various quarters. The Jats, led by Churaman and later Suraj Mal, rose in rebellion in the Mathura region. Additionally, the Sikhs, under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur's successors, continued to resist Mughal authority in the Punjab. Muhammad Shah's reign ended with his death in 1748.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur was the Mughal emperor of India who reigned from 1748 to 1754. His rule marked the continuation of the declining Mughal Empire, characterized by political instability and the encroachment of regional powers. : Ahmad Shah Bahadur's reign saw the Marathas exerting even greater influence over the Mughal Empire. The Marathas, under the leadership of the Peshwa, controlled vast territories in North India and collected tribute from the Mughal emperor.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur's rule was marked by various rebellions and uprisings across the empire. The Jats, led by Suraj Mal, continued their resistance in the Mathura region. Additionally, the Sikhs, under the leadership of various jathedars (leaders), defied Mughal authority in the Punjab. Ahmad Shah Bahadur faced a significant challenge from the Rohillas, an Afghan tribe in Northern India. The Rohillas, led by their chief, Najib-ud-Daula, entered into a conflict with the Mughal Empire, further destabilizing the region. Ahmad Shah Bahadur's rule was marked by a lack of effective governance. He was largely a figurehead ruler, with real power being held by various nobles and regional powers. His inability to control the empire's affairs contributed to its continued decline.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur's reign came to an end in 1754 when he was deposed by his wazir, Ghazi-ud-Din Imad-ul-Mulk. He was imprisoned in the Red Fort in Delhi, marking the end of his nominal rule.

Alamgir II, whose full name was Aziz-ud-din Alamgir II, was the Mughal emperor of India who ruled from 1754 to 1759. His brief reign was marked by political instability, external invasions, and the continuing decline of the Mughal Empire.  His accession was orchestrated by his wazir Ghazi-ud-Din Imad-ul-Mulk, who held significant power during his reign. Alamgir II's rule was characterized by continued tension and conflict with the Marathas, who had established themselves as a dominant regional power in North India. The Marathas sought to extract tributes and concessions from the Mughal Empire, further weakening its authority. Alamgir II's reign came to an end in 1759 when he was assassinated by his own wazir, Ghazi-ud-Din Imad-ul-Mulk.

Shah Jahan III  was the 16th Mughal emperor who had an insignificant reign lasting eleven months. He was placed on the throne with the support of the wazir  Imad-ul-Mulk and was later dethroned by the  Mughal chiefs close to Shah Alam II. 

Shah Alam II, also known as Ali Gauhar or Shah Alam II Bahadur, was the 17th Mughal emperor who reigned from 1760 to 1806.  Shah Alam II became the Mughal emperor in 1760 after a tumultuous period marked by political instability and the shifting allegiances of various factions. His claim to the throne was disputed, and he faced opposition from other contenders.

Shah Alam II's reign was characterized by ongoing conflicts with the Marathas, who had become a dominant force in North India. The Marathas extracted significant tribute from the Mughal Empire and controlled key territories, including Delhi. Shah Alam II had to recognize Maratha suzerainty, further diminishing Mughal authority. During Shah Alam II's reign, the British East India Company was expanding its influence in India. He signed the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the company the diwani (right to collect revenue) over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked a significant step toward British colonial control in India. 

In 1788, Shah Alam II was imprisoned and blinded by the Afghan Rohilla chief Ghulam Qadir. Maratha Leader Mahadaji Shinde interved and killed Ghulam Qadir and restored Shah Alam II to the throne. Shah Alam II ruled till his death in 1806. He died of natural causes. 

Akbar II was the penultimate Mughal emperor who reigned from 1806 to 1837. His rule marked a period of significant political and territorial decline for the Mughal Empire, which had already lost most of its power to regional and colonial forces. His rule began at a time when the Mughal Empire was reduced to a mere symbolic entity, with limited control over its territories. During Akbar II's reign, the British East India Company continued to extend its control over various parts of India. The Mughal emperor had no real authority, and the British effectively controlled key regions, with their own appointed officials in charge. Apart from the British, other regional powers, such as the Marathas and various princely states, had gained substantial autonomy and territorial control. The Mughal Empire was reduced to being a nominal suzerain with little influence.

Despite the political insignificance of his rule, Akbar II continued the Mughal tradition of patronizing arts and culture. He supported poets, scholars, and artists, contributing to the cultural richness of his court. He ruled till his death in 1837.

Bahadur Shah Zafar, whose full name was Mirza Abu Zafar Siraj-ud-din Muhammad Bahadur Shah Zafar, was the last Mughal emperor of India, reigning from 28 September 1837 to 21 September 1857. His reign coincided with a turbulent period in Indian history, marked by British colonial expansion and the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Bahadur Shah Zafar ascended to the Mughal throne in 1837 after the deposition of his father, Akbar II. However, by this time, the Mughal Empire had been reduced to a symbolic institution, with the British East India Company effectively controlling most of India.

Despite his limited political power, Bahadur Shah Zafar continued the Mughal tradition of patronizing arts and culture. He was a poet himself and supported poets, scholars, and artists at his court. His reign is often associated with the refinement of Urdu poetry. In 1857, a widespread uprising against British rule erupted in India. The rebels, including sepoys (Indian soldiers in British service) and various Indian leaders, sought to overthrow British colonial authority. Bahadur Shah Zafar, although a figurehead, was proclaimed the leader of the rebellion and was declared the emperor of India by the rebels.

The British swiftly and ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion. Delhi became a focal point of the conflict, and the city witnessed intense fighting. After the British recaptured Delhi in September 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured, tried, and subsequently exiled. Bahadur Shah Zafar, along with some family members, was exiled to Rangoon (present-day Yangon) in Burma (Myanmar). He spent the remainder of his life in exile, far from his homeland. He died in Rangoon on 7 November 1862, marking the end of the Mughal dynasty.